As the mole attacks, the narrator gives the helpful message Try to hit the enemy. The group promptly does so, and the mole blinks white twice at the group bears down on it, then disappears. The battle music fades and changes back the normal, peaceful background music.
Combat over!
As the last mole is defeated, the narrator gives the comment You won't be the first to die here, in a voice that sounds altogether less harmonious than the previous messages.
The game also starts transition from day to night mode. The game’s color palette shifts to purple lighting with dark blue shadows that move independently of lights.
The quest journal chimes for the arrival of a new quest. Looks like the game had a user interface overhaul: the title of the game now reads 'ToirtoiseHELL'. The objective have also been scratched out, and a new objective has been entered. There's also red liquid beads on the journal page, as if the journal is bleeding.
--
Objective: Explore!
[X] Collect the restobloom!
[X] Grow a squash!
[O] Discover the Hill Zone (The Hill Zone contains valuable resources!)
Reward: 10 iron ingots
Objective: Die!
[O] Die
---
Male NG Damaya Lashunta | Biohacker 13 (medic archetype) |Sta: 115/130 |Hp: 82/82|Rp: 10/12| Biohacks: 5/7 EAC 31 KAC 31 | F +13 | R +11 | W +10 | Init +7 | Perception +22| SM + 22
"I don’t plan on completing this quest. Is there some sort of survey we can fill out? This game is not exactly the relaxing experience I was expecting. "
Dr. Zandhi will follow the others into the hit. If there is time, he would like to take a 10 minute rest to regain stamina.
Neroo and Katrina have had enough of the test, and head back to the save house. Saving works perfectly fine, but she room realises her actual physical body is unable to remove the headset. It feel like her physical body isn't able to do anything at all!
Dr Tavan takes a rest, which seems to work perfectly fine. All the while, and insistent arrow is pointing toward the vine arch, urging the players to continue to the next area...
Vesk Technomancer 12; SP 108/108; HP 90/90; FF-THP 15/15; RS 13/13; reroll 0/1; Lvl1 6/6; Lvl2 7/7; Lvl3 3/5; Lvl4 3/4; Cache 1/1; spell energy 1/1; AC 0/1; ; KAC 31; EAC 29; DR 3/-; (9/Bl); SR/15; Per +14; Fort +8; Ref +7; Will +9; fire and cold resistance/5; (acid/electric res 5-les resistant armor)
"I am unimpressed with this technology." states Compucast.
"That the only way to have people continue play your game is by capture seems to indicate a degree of insecurity in your own work."
He rolls his eyes and directs a continual series of magic missiles into the ground to show his displeasure.
CC can use MM without limit, this is really just to annoy Lecti rather than because he expects to actually damage the code at all.
Once the group has rested, the vesk starts to stalk toward the archway.
Male LN Dwarf Roboticist Mechanic 11 (PC sheet) | SP 110/110 HP 72/72 | RP 10/10 | EAC 28, KAC 31 | Fort +11, Ref +12, Will +6 | Init: +5 | Darkvision 60', Perc: +17, SM: +3 | Speed 30 ft. (Land) | Active Conditions: DR/15 Electricity, Electrostatic Field | TEC-9 | EAC 21 KAC 24 | HP 110\110 | Perception +14 | Fort +6, Ref +5, Will +3
Benoit add takes a spare battery from TEC-9's disintegrator cannon and adds it to the spare batteries for its colossus coil. The colossus coil now has two spare batteries and the disintegrator cannon one.
"We are going to have to do this one the hard way lass. If you want your body back we're going to have to go through that arch. Who knows, maybe there's a tavern on the other side with bearded dwarven bar wenches and flagons of dwarven ale."
Benoit's powered armor clicks and whirs as he follows Compucast.
Male NG Damaya Lashunta | Biohacker 13 (medic archetype) |Sta: 115/130 |Hp: 82/82|Rp: 10/12| Biohacks: 5/7 EAC 31 KAC 31 | F +13 | R +11 | W +10 | Init +7 | Perception +22| SM + 22
"I agree with Benoit... not about the Dwarven wenches - about moving on. The mermaids don't sound too bad though. Of course, in this place wenches or mermaids would likely be trying to kill us. Does anyone need to rest before we move on?"
Neroo hacks into the camera drone live stream, and sees a third-person Neroo hanging limp in a virtual reality headset, and the view of a purple-to-white-to-pink-haired squox prancing about.
Compucast throws magic missiles in frustration, then approaches the archway, which is large enough for tall creature to walk through, and beyond the vine arch, green fields give way to rolling hills carpeted in dry brown grass and withered, dying trees.
A high-pitched scream echoes through the night, followed by a desperate cry of “Stop! Don’t eat me!” Atop a ridge to the east, a squox avatar with nuar horns backs into a dark cave, arms raised in panic as a large flower with jagged teeth snaps its jaws. “Help!” the squox cries.
You can put your avatar anywhere in the box that says 'PCs start here'
You are at 0ft, the first ridge has a ladder that allows you to climb up (counts as difficult terrain. All other ridges need an athletics check
Male NG Damaya Lashunta | Biohacker 13 (medic archetype) |Sta: 115/130 |Hp: 82/82|Rp: 10/12| Biohacks: 5/7 EAC 31 KAC 31 | F +13 | R +11 | W +10 | Init +7 | Perception +22| SM + 22
I'll take a rescue quest any day over the die quest."
The blue squox shouts to the nuar squox, "Xiffany, is that you? Either way, hold on, we're coming to help!"
GM, since we just finished a combat, is it reasonable that we would have our weapons out? If so, Dr. Zandhi will be holding the injector Pistol in his right hand and the Arc Pistol in his left.
Male LN Dwarf Roboticist Mechanic 11 (PC sheet) | SP 110/110 HP 72/72 | RP 10/10 | EAC 28, KAC 31 | Fort +11, Ref +12, Will +6 | Init: +5 | Darkvision 60', Perc: +17, SM: +3 | Speed 30 ft. (Land) | Active Conditions: DR/15 Electricity, Electrostatic Field | TEC-9 | EAC 21 KAC 24 | HP 110\110 | Perception +14 | Fort +6, Ref +5, Will +3
Benoit gets onto the riding saddle on TEC-9's back and the drone's jetpack ignites with a roar, propelling the pair toward the large flower. They ascend 15' straight up.
"Let's get that plants attention, TEC-9."
The weapon mount on Benoit's powered armor deploys his hand cannon and TEC-9's battle computer locks its colossus coil on the plant before firing an arc of electricity that makes everyone's hair stand on end.
Benoit fires an arc of energy, but only manages to hit the pot of the plant. This one seems to be a real boss monster, and Xiffany (indeed!) shouts out a battle cry Xiffaaannyyyyy Jeeeeenkiiinss
The plant bites at the horned squox, but misses miserably.
Vesk Technomancer 12; SP 108/108; HP 90/90; FF-THP 15/15; RS 13/13; reroll 0/1; Lvl1 6/6; Lvl2 7/7; Lvl3 3/5; Lvl4 3/4; Cache 1/1; spell energy 1/1; AC 0/1; ; KAC 31; EAC 29; DR 3/-; (9/Bl); SR/15; Per +14; Fort +8; Ref +7; Will +9; fire and cold resistance/5; (acid/electric res 5-les resistant armor)
Compucast strides into the air, his footsteps hacking the 'reality' of the VR system so that soon he is at the same height as the cliff tops.
climbing at half movement still gives me 15' elevation
Electricity sparks from his sqoz fingers as a bolt of power streaks toward the huge plant.
arcing surge, harmful spells, E damage ref DC 22 for half:10d6 + 6 ⇒ (5, 3, 6, 2, 6, 3, 6, 2, 4, 2) + 6 = 45 Used adaptive casting here rather than a normal spell slot. Just a note for my own records.
Male NG Damaya Lashunta | Biohacker 13 (medic archetype) |Sta: 115/130 |Hp: 82/82|Rp: 10/12| Biohacks: 5/7 EAC 31 KAC 31 | F +13 | R +11 | W +10 | Init +7 | Perception +22| SM + 22
Using his forcepack, Dr. Zandhi will fly 20 feet straight up, then approach cautiously. He fires his injector pistol at the creature, hoping to deliver a biohack to reduce the creature's AC by 2.
Injector Pistol vs KAC:1d20 + 20 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 20 - 2 = 30 Injector Pistol damage:2d6 + 13 ⇒ (2, 1) + 13 = 16 plus biohack (-2 AC for 9 rounds)
The -2 to hit is due to the creature being in my second range increment.
"Xiffany, don't get cocky, kid. Back out of there slowly and carefully - we've got this."
Diplomacy vs Xiffany, if needed:1d20 + 19 ⇒ (16) + 19 = 35
Male LN Dwarf Roboticist Mechanic 11 (PC sheet) | SP 110/110 HP 72/72 | RP 10/10 | EAC 28, KAC 31 | Fort +11, Ref +12, Will +6 | Init: +5 | Darkvision 60', Perc: +17, SM: +3 | Speed 30 ft. (Land) | Active Conditions: DR/15 Electricity, Electrostatic Field | TEC-9 | EAC 21 KAC 24 | HP 110\110 | Perception +14 | Fort +6, Ref +5, Will +3
Benoit opens an access panel on TEC-9's colossus coil and disables all the safety protocols on it, giving it a power boost. Miracle Worker
TEC-9 continues to close the distance to the plant, propelled a jet pack custom designed and built by Benoit. Its battle computer continues to execute the attack protocols programmed by Benoit and another arc of electricity crackles across the gap between TEC-9 and the plant.
Compucast singes the plant with an energy ray, but the vines move enough to avoid the brunt of the attack, an djust enough to catch the needle that the doctor show, making the plants movements just that little bit less coordinated.
Xin-Da-Rik and Katrina close the gap while Neroo and Benoit lay down cover fire, both missing.
m CN kish Soldier Divine Champion [Gladiator] 14 | sp 0/185 | hp 43/103 | rp 13/14 | EAC 31 KAC 33 | F+15 R+12 W+12 [+2 vs fear] | Init +7 | Perc +3 |
Senses:
Darkvision 60’ | Blindsense (vibration) & Sense Through (blindsense-vibration) 30'
Still growling ferociously, Xin-Da-Rik moves forward. On the move, he seems to begin to swell and somehow change, as if something is being rebuilt in his body. One shoulder becomes taller than the other, the proportions become ugly, but the power in the hands paws obviously becomes even higher.
Male LN Dwarf Roboticist Mechanic 11 (PC sheet) | SP 110/110 HP 72/72 | RP 10/10 | EAC 28, KAC 31 | Fort +11, Ref +12, Will +6 | Init: +5 | Darkvision 60', Perc: +17, SM: +3 | Speed 30 ft. (Land) | Active Conditions: DR/15 Electricity, Electrostatic Field | TEC-9 | EAC 21 KAC 24 | HP 110\110 | Perception +14 | Fort +6, Ref +5, Will +3
TEC-9 ascends 5' and then accelerates itself and Benoit closer to the plant. double move The weapon mount on Benoit's powered armor's shoulder aims the hand cannon in it at the plant. With a loud bang and explosion of flame and smoke the oversized pistol fires.
"Just yee wait yee green menace I'm about to introduce you to the house of pain," Benoit shouts as he closes in on the plant.
Male NG Damaya Lashunta | Biohacker 13 (medic archetype) |Sta: 115/130 |Hp: 82/82|Rp: 10/12| Biohacks: 5/7 EAC 31 KAC 31 | F +13 | R +11 | W +10 | Init +7 | Perception +22| SM + 22
Dr. Z. moves 15 feet up and 30 forward, then takes a shot with his arc pistol. He'll also try to identify the creature (any weaknesses or energy resistance?).
Compucast covers the plant in acid rain, while Xin-Da-Rik tries to prune it back, hacking away at leaves.
Neroo shoots at the stem of the plant, scattering green juices, and the scattershot damage of benoit does damage to the foliage. Katrina misses her shot, while Dr Tavan arcs electricity through the roots, further weakening it.
Die, you will die here! the voiceover says, and the plant lunges out to blood-colored squox Xin-Da-Rik
m CN kish Soldier Divine Champion [Gladiator] 14 | sp 0/185 | hp 43/103 | rp 13/14 | EAC 31 KAC 33 | F+15 R+12 W+12 [+2 vs fear] | Init +7 | Perc +3 |
Senses:
Darkvision 60’ | Blindsense (vibration) & Sense Through (blindsense-vibration) 30'
Electrostatic Field:3d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 4) = 13- electricity dmg to plant Bone Spines:4d4 ⇒ (2, 1, 4, 3) = 10- piercing dmg to plant Bone Spines:1d3 ⇒ 1- constant bleed dmg to plant It's very painful to bite him .)
The plant eats kish, but runs into the sharp bones sticking out of him with its mouth and receives an electric discharge passing through them! Ahahahaha! Xin-Da-Rik enjoys the madness going on here. We're going to die here! You're going to die here! Everything will die! Entropy will devour EVERYTHING! Ahahaha! The pain makes him laugh, growl and hack back even more fiercely!
Male LN Dwarf Roboticist Mechanic 11 (PC sheet) | SP 110/110 HP 72/72 | RP 10/10 | EAC 28, KAC 31 | Fort +11, Ref +12, Will +6 | Init: +5 | Darkvision 60', Perc: +17, SM: +3 | Speed 30 ft. (Land) | Active Conditions: DR/15 Electricity, Electrostatic Field | TEC-9 | EAC 21 KAC 24 | HP 110\110 | Perception +14 | Fort +6, Ref +5, Will +3
TEC-9 comes in for a smooth landing next to Xin-Da-Rik. Benoit immediately leaps off his drone's back with his meteor glaive on fire. The smell of petrol fills the air as the dwarf swing his weapon in a wide arc at the plant.
"Yes yes, we are all going to die you crazy git, but not today. I don't usually eat salad, but I'll make an exception just for this plant."
When Neroo aims her plasma caster at the plant, she deals massive damage in a burst of plasma, and brief vistory music ensues when Dr Tavan lands his needle shot. The plant goes limp, and the voiceover shouts in frustration Die! Die! Die!
Combat over!
Xiffany looks a bit distraught What is going on? I thought this was a cute game, but it is so scary...
---
Objective: Die!
[O] I will consume you!
[O] I will consume you!
[O] I will consume you!
[O] I will consume you!
[O] I will consume you!
[O] I will consume you!
---
I don't know Xiffany ... this game isn't what it seems to be. You'd better stick close to us
If I can somehow get into the code itself ... I might be able to figure it out. Used to be a rather reclusive computer kid nerd before I joined the Starfinders .... especially after I lost my family behind the Godshield ... the main reason I signed up actually when I was old enough
While she's talking, she changes the battery in her handcoil for a fresh one.
So ... what prompted you to join the game as well?
Male NG Damaya Lashunta | Biohacker 13 (medic archetype) |Sta: 115/130 |Hp: 82/82|Rp: 10/12| Biohacks: 5/7 EAC 31 KAC 31 | F +13 | R +11 | W +10 | Init +7 | Perception +22| SM + 22
Nice work, team!
"Xiffany, please listen to Katrina and stay close. If you're injured,
I can help."
Tavan can heal hit point damage outside of combat. If anyone took hit point damage please let me know! Thank you for updating your status bar when you're injured.
If we have at least a minute, Tavan will use treat deadly wounds on Xiffany.
Treat Deadly Wounds:
Heals 25 + patient's level or CR
At DC:25 heal 1 hp per level or CR of patient, + my level (Medical Specialist) + 2 times my Int mod (First Aid Expert Theorem)
Can use twice per day per patient with Med Lab (or Custom Microlab). Takes 1 minute (or a full round action with a medpatch or sprayflesh.)
m CN kish Soldier Divine Champion [Gladiator] 14 | sp 0/185 | hp 43/103 | rp 13/14 | EAC 31 KAC 33 | F+15 R+12 W+12 [+2 vs fear] | Init +7 | Perc +3 |
Senses:
Darkvision 60’ | Blindsense (vibration) & Sense Through (blindsense-vibration) 30'
Witchcraft. It seems that Xin-Da-Rik is trying to make it clear with his whole appearance that he has always distrusted technology and for good reason. I'll rest. It doesn't sound like a question.
- 10 min please, crit was nasty )
Vesk Technomancer 12; SP 108/108; HP 90/90; FF-THP 15/15; RS 13/13; reroll 0/1; Lvl1 6/6; Lvl2 7/7; Lvl3 3/5; Lvl4 3/4; Cache 1/1; spell energy 1/1; AC 0/1; ; KAC 31; EAC 29; DR 3/-; (9/Bl); SR/15; Per +14; Fort +8; Ref +7; Will +9; fire and cold resistance/5; (acid/electric res 5-les resistant armor)
Compucast just keeps the acid cloud on the plant until it totally dissolves. "It would just like a game to have it regenerate while our backs were turned." he mutters.
Female Lashunta Icon 13 - EAC27 - KAC27 | SP78/78 HP82/82 RP14/14 | Init +4 | Perc +21 SM +18(+1d6)| F +8, R +12, W +11* || Drone EAC/KAC 30 | HP120 RP6 | Perc +18 | F+3, R+12, W+10
Even I. Was not able to the code, I fear that while we’re connected to the game, we can’t get inside. It seems like we are unconscious in the real world…
I dunno. Technically we're surrounded by code. Heck. Even these bodies are code. It might be a long shot but keep an eye for glitches. Might be something we can exploit.
The plant didn't drop any loot while the voiceover keeps screaming Die! Die! Die!
Xiffany is really thankful for the healing, and opens her eyes wide when she catches onto what is happening, But... but... I thought this was a cute game, and now I'm going to die? I don't want to die alone....
The group takes a rest under the chastising voiceover, who keeps reminding the group of their objective. The only way out is really back through the vine-arch...
The game turns a very blood-red dark, and logs fall from the sky, blocking the path of the squoxes save for the back-road.
Passing through the vine reveals the exact same beach as before, but severely distorted and with many obstacles. The tortoise-house seems to be completely unaffected, though, and the only hope of escaping.
What is even worse, the game seems to be slowly absorbing the life force of the group.
When the group passes through the vine arch, the dead cutie pie plant teleports in front of them, and vines come back into motion trying to snare the starfinders!
I need a profession(vidgamer), acrobatics or athletics check. I'll also allow creative solutions.
This is an obstacle course divided into rounds, and I also need a Fort save every round. On a failure, you lose 1 Con
